Abundant Aloha at Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz

Hawai‘i National Park archeologist points out lithics used for stone tools at the Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz. Photo credit: NPS/Janice Wei

Sunny skies, outstanding views of Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, and an outpouring of aloha from all who participated in the Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz, made for a joyful Saturday at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Although the official count isn’t in yet, park staff estimated that several thousand people, from keiki to kūpuna, from local residents to first-time visitors, enjoyed the annual event that celebrates and perpetuates authentic Hawaiian culture.

For the third year, the event connected people to science with BioBlitz field hikes.

The 37th annual Cultural Festival and BioBlitz were held on the grounds of Kīlauea Military Camp in the park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Park entrance was free all day.

Hawaiian Cultural Festival goers watch hālau perform. Photo credit: NPS/Janice Wei

The festival’s theme, Hilina‘i Puna, Kālele iā Ka‘ū, (Puna leans and reclines on Ka‘ū), celebrates the two land districts that comprise the park. The event was sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

‘Ōlapa from Hālau Hula Ulumamo o Hilo Palikū at the Hawaiian Cultural Festival. Photo credit: NPS/Janice Wei